The new Megane, the third-generation model, will be produced at Renault-Nissan’s facility outside Chennai. The Megane will be sold across India through existing Mahindra-Renault dealers but whether the car will be branded a Mahindra-Renault remains or just a Renault remains to be seen.
Stylistically, the car displays typical French flair, although some elements are fussy, notably the nose of the car, with a big grille and a slat below the bonnet. The bonnet is unique, unlike anything that’s been seen in the Indian market to date. It features a strong curve across its surface from A-pillar to A-pillar, making it look like a bow drawn taut, with the Renault lozenge like an arrowhead. A steeply raked windscreen and high waist lend the car a lot of flair.
The Megane’s interiors can only be described as avant garde as is sure to be a hit with Indian buyers, especially those who want to upgrade from Optras and Corollas. The swooping dashboard has a two-part layout, and is available in different colours according to customer preference. So you can order your Megane in contrasting dark-and-light grey or dark grey and beige. The instrument cluster features a digital speedo with an analogue rev counter. The oil temperature, fuel level and door open warning displays are integrated into the same pod as the speedo. Other information is displayed in an adjoining LCD display.
While the Megane’s looks have never been conventional, the latest model is still not as radical-looking as the earlier generation. However, whether it finds favour with Indian car buyers remains to be seen.
The Megane has a range of powertrain options, which include both diesel and petrol engines, mated to either five- or six-speed manual transmissions, or a CVT. A more powerful version of the same 1.5-litre dCi diesel (code: K9), which also powers the Logan, is expected to be the base engine. This unit produces 85bhp, with another iteration producing 105bhp. There is also a 2.0-litre dCi unit putting out a healthy 130bhp and 30.6kgm of torque.
Petrol engine options include a 1.6-litre 110bhp unit, a 2.0-litre 140bhp, and a turbocharged 1.4-litre producing 130bhp and 19.3kgm of torque.
With a 2640mm wheelbase, the car falls bang in Civic (2700mm) and Jetta (2580mm) territory; indeed, it is against these two that it will face maximum competition. The previous iteration was a comfortable car with sober handling, and since Renault have carried over a lot of the basic architecture, the new Megane is expected to provide a similar driving experience. If Renault can manage to undercut the Jetta and Laura diesels, and go head to head with the petrol Civic, Renault will have a fighting chance in this relatively small but crucial segment.
